Indian cricket coaches divide duties before Wellington Test series

Indian cricket coaches will divide their responsibilities following Tuesday’s third one-day international against New Zealand in Hamilton. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and spin-bowling instructor Sairaj Bahutule are projected to remain with the limited-overs squad for remaining matches in Mount Maunganui. Meanwhile, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fast-bowling specialist Morne Morkel will travel to Wellington to oversee a preparatory camp for the upcoming red-ball series. This logistical shift allows team management to balance long-term focus on the 2027 World Cup with immediate tactical preparations for the crucial longest-format fixtures starting November 19.

Focusing on red ball practice

Kotak confirmed that three pace bowlers—Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi—will stay back to support the Wellington camp as reserve net bowlers. The specialized training period begins November 11, offering the roster five to six dedicated practice sessions to acclimatize to local playing conditions.

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While squad members maintain format-specific batting approaches, recent pitch behavior provides highly relevant experience for the five-day games. Current match surfaces feature 12 to 14 millimeters of grass, generating significant early swing, lateral seam movement, and unpredictable bounce. These environmental factors have suppressed typical high-scoring totals, giving both batters and bowlers a realistic preview of what awaits them. Kotak emphasised that although white-ball techniques remain separate, early exposure to these exact physical variables serves as an excellent foundation. The recent uncharacteristic bounce will demand precise adjustments from the top order during the first contest in Wellington.